VIDEO: 'I punched it in the back'

In case you didn’t see the jaw-dropping video of a professional surfer fighting off a shark attack on live TV, you certainly should.

Australian Mick Fanning was competing in the J-Bay Open in South Africa’s Jeffreys Bay during the weekend when Fox Sports Australia’s live coverage of the event captured a shark trying to take a bite out of the three-time world champion.

The commentator lets a mild profanity slip out, but it’s understandable, given the scene that is unfolding.

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"I was just sitting there and I felt something just get stuck in my leg rope, and I was kicking, trying to get it away," Fanning told 9 News. "I instantly just jumped away. It kept coming at my board and I was kicking and screaming. I just saw fins. I was waiting for teeth. I punched it in the back."